Oh My Joepa was a front-stepping winner for driver John MacDonald in Saturday’s $6,000 featured pace at Vernon Downs.

Oh My Joepa ($8.20) laid down fractions of :26.3, :56.4 and 1:24.2 before scooting home in :28 to win in 1:52.2, however, it wasn’t easy. Skip Jive (Jimmy Whittemore) was third after three quarters and gave everything he had battling all the way down the stretch losing by a nose at the wire. JDs Brent N Sheree (Truman Gale) finished third.

Oh My Joepa is a 10-year-old gelding by Rocknroll Hanover. Owned and trained by MacDonald, he won for the third time this season and for the 48th time in his career.

MacDonald had a double hat trick on the night, by driving and training three winners. The other wins came with Weapon To Win ($8.40) and Kabu ($3.10).

Leon Bailey had two wins on the night with big long shot Dark Prince ($101.50), as well as Banacek ($38.00).

(With files from Vernon Downs)